​Oneida County History Center

Make Your Mark in History 

Telethon raises over $29,000!

The Oneida County History Center raised over $29,000 during its 14th annual telethon held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 6:30-8:00 pm. The telethon was broadcast live on WUTR-TV from the History Center’s main gallery and encouraged community members and organizations to call in and pledge; $29,326 in new memberships, membership renewals, and donations were received, exceeding the 2019 goal of $25,000.  Thank you to the many individuals and organizations who showed their support. 

Membership is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Oneida County's past, present, and future.

Saturday, May 18 at 1:00 pm- The Wehrmacht POW Camp in Utica

In 1944 around 100 German POWs were brought to Utica from Pine Camp (present-day Fort Drum) to work in local factories.  David Cooney will share the little-know story of the camp and the prisoners of Seward Avenue. Free!

Wednesday, June 5 at 5:30 pm - Bean Pickers: American Immigrant Portraits

Author Karen Foresti Hempson will discuss her new, creative non-fiction book Bean Pickers: American Immigrant Portraits, which shares 8 true-life portrayals  of Italian-Americans who begin their American lives as summer bean pickers. Free!

​Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30 pm- Safe Travels

David Layne shares the story of the Negro Motorist Green Book in connection with state and local history.  First published in 1936, the Green Book was a critical travel guide for African Americans who struggled to travel safely throughout the US and served as a way to avoid refusal of service, harassment, discrimination, and threats. Free!

Wednesday, June 19 at 5:30 pm- Book Signing: Delta 

Delta (Echoes of New York Book 1) shares the story of a young girl whose idyllic life in Delta is threatened when the state decides to destroy the village to create a reservoir.  The book weaves magic, mystery, and real life in this piece of historical fiction.  Join author Jordan Hallak (pen name Jordan Elizabeth) to hear passages from the book and Delta Historian Mary Centro to learn the true history behind the tale. Free!

Monday, June 24 at 5:30 pm- Around & About

Richard Benedetto, native Utican and retired USA Today White House correspondent and columnist, will discuss his new book Around and About, A reporter’s love letter to the people and places of Utica and Oneida County.  The book is a collection of 121 human-interest columns published 1974-1976 when Benedetto was a reporter with the Utica Observer-Dispatch.  All proceeds from books sold at the event will go to the History Center.  
 

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Now accepting Nominations!

The History Center is seeking nominations for the 2019 Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends awards. Nominations should include a brief description of the individual, including their accomplishments and contributions to our community. Nominations must be received by Friday, June 21, 2019 to be considered for this year. Mail nominations to the Oneida County History Center, 1608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502, or email to bhoward@oneidacountyhistory.org.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Closed Saturday & Sunday 

​Closed Friday, June 21st, 2019

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Four New Local History Puzzles now available!

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Four new puzzles have just arrived at the History Center bookstore! Three join our existing inventory of historic Utica scenes - the Stanley Theater, Olbiston Apartments and Boston Store- and a fourth features the toboggan slide at Sylvan Beach. Each 504 piece puzzle measures 16” x 20” and retails for $17.99 plus tax. 

Welcome to the oneida county history center, preserving history and promoting the culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley since 1876

Student projects on exhibit

Posters from SUNY Poly HIS 330 American Women’s History class are now on display in the OCHC main gallery! The students were tasked with creating historical fiction life stories and adding a local history tie or component. Stop by to view the projects, read the stories, and support these great history students!